How far is Selma, AL from Athens, AL?
The driving distance from Selma, AL to Athens, AL is about 181 miles (291.3 km), with a travel time of about 03h 47m by car.
- The straight-line flight distance is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km).
- For a round trip, plan for roughly 07h 35m of driving time before adding stops, traffic, or weather delays.
- A comfortable departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT.
Reverse, save, or send this route
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay. Copy the route link, send it to another device, or print a clean version before you head out.
This drive is better planned with a longer stop or an overnight stay.
Flight Distance
Driving Distance
Gas Cost Calculator
Leave and Arrive Planner
Pick a departure time to see your estimated arrival and same-day return window.
Drive time stays fixed at 03h 47m.
An early departure helps you fit a real stop into the day without turning the return into a late-night drive.
You are leaving earlier than the recommended window, which gives you extra margin for breaks and traffic.
Halfway Point
A useful midpoint for breaks, coffee, or meeting in the middle.
The most populous city in Alabama.
Route Weather Snapshot
Check the forecast at both ends before you head out.
Driving Route Map
The map below follows the saved road route between Selma and Athens.
Turn-by-Turn Driving Directions
Step-by-step road directions between Selma and Athens.
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1
Start on Alabama Avenue
121 m · 18 sec · Alabama Avenue
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2
Turn left onto Broad Street
1.9 mi · 3 min · Broad Street
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3
Continue on Citizens Parkway
17.2 mi · 30 min · Citizens Parkway
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4
Continue on Alabama Highway 22
9.3 mi · 13 min · Alabama Highway 22
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5
Turn right onto Foshee Avenue
1145 ft · 39 sec · Foshee Avenue
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6
Turn straight
2.7 mi · 4 min
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7
Turn left
13.9 mi · 20 min
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8
Turn left
13.1 mi · 19 min
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9
Take the ramp left
1231 ft · 30 sec
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10
Merge slight left
119.3 mi · 2 hr 11 min
-
11
Take the exit slight right toward 72: Athens, Huntsville
1307 ft · 34 sec
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12
Turn left onto US Highway 72 East
2 mi · 3 min · US Highway 72 East
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13
Turn right onto Jefferson Street South
1.4 km · 2 min · Jefferson Street South
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14
Arrive at your destination
0 m · 1 sec · Jefferson Street South
Car Route Details
A richer read on the saved driving route between Selma and Athens.
Straightforward drive
The saved road route has a manageable number of maneuvers and should be easy to follow with normal attention to signs.
Foshee Avenue
Merge slight left
119 mi · 02h 11m
Route Summary
A quick read on whether this route feels easy, ambitious, or worth planning around.
A longer out-and-back drive
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
Sunny leaving Selma and Sunny near Athens.
Trip Questions
Direct answers travelers usually want before committing to the drive.
How long does it take to drive from Selma to Athens?
The road trip is about 181 miles (291.3 km) and usually takes 03h 47m in normal driving conditions.
Is this a same-day trip or an overnight route?
This is still possible in one day, but it becomes a long driving day. Leaving early and planning your stop window matters more here.
What is the halfway point on this route?
Birmingham is a useful midpoint, sitting about 90.7 miles from Selma and 90.4 miles from Athens.
How much longer is the road route than the straight-line distance?
The direct path is about 165.5 miles (266.4 km), while the road route adds roughly 15.5 extra miles because roads do not follow the straight air line.
When is the best time to leave for this route?
A good departure window is usually 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM CDT. If you want a more comfortable same-day return, try to leave by 9:24 AM CDT.
How much will gas cost for this route?
Using about 28.3 MPG, regular gas is estimated at $25.21 one way or $50.42 round trip. Estimated CO2 is about 56.8 kg one way.
What should you check before leaving?
Before you leave, expect Sunny around Selma and Sunny near Athens.
Stop Ideas Near Birmingham
Useful break, food, and waypoint ideas within about 15 miles of the route midpoint.
Transit and Meeting Points
Useful pickup, handoff, or rendezvous points close to Birmingham.
Birmingham
Brent, AL
Tuscaloosa
Anniston
Flight Path Map
This map shows the direct air route between Selma and Athens. Straight-line distance: 165.51 mi (266.36 km).
#1 Selma
City in and county seat of Dallas County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 16,671 |
| Coordinates | 32.4073600, -87.0211000 |
| Altitude | 38 |
| Country | United States |
#2 Athens
County seat of Limestone County, Alabama, United States
| Population | 28,643 |
| Coordinates | 34.8024300, -86.9721900 |
| Altitude | 220 |
| Country | United States |
End: Athens (-86.97219, 34.80243)
Estimated Travel Time
Distance: 291 km by road
| Speed | Time |
|---|---|
| 30 mph (48.3 km/h) | 06h 01m |
| 40 mph (64.37 km/h) | 04h 31m |
| 50 mph (80.47 km/h) | 03h 37m |
| 60 mph (96.56 km/h) | 03h 01m |
| 70 mph (112.65 km/h) | 02h 35m |
| 80 mph (129 km/h) | 02h 15m |
Fuel, Round Trip and CO2
Estimated fuel cost and emissions for this route.
| Fuel | $/gal | One way | Round trip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular gas | $3.95 | $25.21 | $50.42 |
| Mid-grade | $4.42 | $28.22 | $56.45 |
| Premium | $4.83 | $30.84 | $61.68 |
| Diesel | $6.04 | $38.60 | $77.19 |
Assumes 8.3 L/100 km (about 28.3 MPG). CO2 is an estimate and varies by vehicle, fuel blend, traffic, and terrain.
Prices in Alabama · Sep 17, 2026